Crusaders thrashed 7-0 in Bulgaria
"It was a difficult night at the office." : Stephen Baxter
Crusaders’ Champions League campaign is all but over after they were thumped 7-0 by Ludogorets in Bulgaria.
Stephen Baxter’s men were always up against it in their first leg first round qualifier.
Ludogorets have won their domestic league title for the last seven years and last season reached the last 32 of the competition.
Speaking to Downtown & Cool FM from Razgrad, Baxter said they were simply beaten by a much better side.
“For 20 to 25 minutes we were competing in the game albeit we didn’t see a lot of the ball because they passed and kept it so well," he said.
“But look, we were up against opposition that are so far advanced of us and regular visitors to the group stage of the Champions League and having played all the top teams in the world here
“The difference you are competing against player values of £4m, £3m, £1m – all of their players are top drawer.
“Some of their football was scintillating to watch.
“When we tired they put the foot on our throat and it was a difficult night at the office.”
The Crues take on Ludogorets in the return leg on July 17 at Seaview.